Joseph Becomes a Ruler

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to a man named Potiphar. He worked faithfully and God blessed everything he did. But when Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of a crime, he was thrown into prison. Even there, God was with him, and Joseph gained the trust of the prison warden.

Then Pharaoh had two mysterious dreams that no one could explain. Joseph, through the gift God gave him, interpreted the dreams: Egypt would have seven years of plenty followed by seven years of terrible famine. Pharaoh was amazed. He made Joseph second-in-command over all of Egypt, in charge of storing grain during the good years. Joseph went from prisoner to prince in one day — because God's time had come.

When the famine struck, people came from all over to buy grain in Egypt — including Joseph's brothers. He recognized them immediately. They did not know who he was. But instead of taking revenge, Joseph wept and forgave them completely. He said, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." He was reunited with his father Jacob in tears of joy. The Coptic Church honors Joseph as a symbol of Christ — betrayed, suffered, and then raised to save others.